Saurabh Bhagat inaugurates ‘waste-to-wealth’ system at KU

Srinagar, June 09: Commissioner Secretary, Science and Technology Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Saurabh Bhagat, on Friday, inaugurated an innovative Waste-to-Wealth System at the University of Kashmir.
The pilot project, which utilises the remarkable waste processing capabilities of black soldier fly larvae, has been sponsored by JK Science Technology and Innovation Council (JKST&IC). It was launched by E&P Community Farms, in collaboration with Er Abdul Rashid Bhat of EMRC, KU, at the University Landscape Division.
Bhagat hailed this “revolutionary” waste management solution as a significant step towards a greener and cleaner future. He emphasised the need for innovative approaches to waste management and expressed his confidence in the potential of the new system.
Dean Research KU Prof Irshad A Nawchoo, Registrar Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir, Special Secretary to VC Dr Tanveer A Shah, Media Advisor Dr Salima Jan, Additional Director JKST&IC Dr Nasir A Shah, Assistant Director JKST&IC Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Coordinator University Landscape Division Dr Anzar A Khuroo, Assistant Landscape Officer Dr Akhtar were present on the occasion.
CEO of E&P Community Farms, Ar. Mounica Kavya Podilapu spearheaded the establishment of the pilot plant, which showcases the system’s ability to process wet waste within a single day.
This cutting-edge waste processing technology promises substantial benefits in terms of efficiency and environmental sustainability. The system boasts remarkable achievements, including a staggering 97% reduction in waste processing time, an 80% reduction in land requirements, and a 50% reduction in manpower needs compared to traditional methods.
Moreover, it emits 3600 times less methane and 23 times less nitrous oxide (N2O) than composting, resulting in an astounding 98% reduction in CO2 equivalent emissions.
One of the key advantages of this system is its negligible environmental and health risks, making it a safe and sustainable waste management solution. Additionally, the process yields a highly effective growth promoter, which has the potential to significantly reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, thereby benefiting agricultural practices.